KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — The San Benito Greyhounds have gotten off to a hot start in the Harlingen 7on7 football league.

On Tuesday, the Hounds picked up another win in overtime against Harlingen South and are playing their best ball of the summer.

San Benito will have one more tuneup game Thursday against La Feria before they head to Houston for their second state qualifying tournament on Sunday.

“We’re playing well right now and we feel we are playing with confidence,” said Hounds quarterback Jacob Cavazos. “We have played in a few tournaments and, at first, we were rusty, but now we have found a groove and are playing well.”

In April, the Hounds played in a state qualifying tournament in Dallas but fell just shy of a state berth. Despite the loss, the team managed to finish second in its pool, giving them some confidence moving forward.

San Benito has reached the state tournament three times, in 2001, 2006 and 2007.

The Hounds will compete in Pool F and will square off against Summer Creek, Heights and Magnolia West.

“We’re excited to get another shot at reaching state,” said AJ Garcia. “We’re working on our communication as far as the defense goes, but we continue to improve each day. Communication will be important because obviously we’re not the biggest out there, but with our communication we can make plays. There are new guys on the team, but this 7on7 is bringing our brotherhood together and we’re enjoying it.”

San Benito has looked to Cavazos to guide the offense. It is a new-look Hounds offense and with Erick Retta, Tyrone Harper and Isaiah Trevino all graduated,

Cavazos will look to running back Brandon Vasquez and receivers Frankie Garcia and Juan Constante.

“I learned a lot from the seniors last year,” Cavazos said. “It’s always the next man up. We have played this game most of our lives and it’s just a matter of playing our game.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

Lady Hounds’ Gonzalez caps career with MVP honors

Leadership, mental toughness and the ability to make a team better on and off the field are characteristics that define a Most Valuable Player.

These traits, however, are just a few that describe San Benito’s Joanna Gonzalez, who put a bow on what was a stellar four-year career in a Lady Hounds uniform.

Gonzalez was one of the most feared batters in the Valley and provided a steady hand behind the plate. She was the heart and soul of the Lady Hounds and helped lead the team to a district title and a trip to the Sweet 16.

Thanks to her valiant efforts, she was named this year’s Valley Morning Star All-STAR MVP.

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Q: Now that the dust has settled and you’re a graduate, how special was your senior season?
Joanna: For being part of the Lady Hounds softball program for four years, I consider myself lucky. This season was definitely one to remember. I mean you only get one last year and you have to make the most of it. Even though it ended earlier than we expected, it was a heck of a ride playing one last season with my teammates. I’ve made so many memories and learned lessons that I will be able to take along with me through not only softball but life as well.

Q: You were one of the most feared hitters in the district. What’s your approach at the plate?
Joanna: I tried not to overthink at the plate, so I would usually go up with the mindset that I just needed make strong contact with the ball and put it in play. I had to make them (the other team) work for it and that, to me, is what makes the game exciting.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that readers might not know?
Joanna: I would pray to the big man upstairs for every game that we finished playing because that meant we had another game to go out on the field and play once again.

Q: What are your plans for the summer?
Joanna: Well, this week coming up I plan to go on a trip to Colorado. Then, once I get back home, I have to start working even harder to get ready for summer ball and college ball. Then, hopefully along the way, I get to go on a mini-vacation with my family.

Q: What does winning the MVP award mean to you?
Joanna: Winning the award is a great accomplishment because I’m finishing things off with it. It shows me that every time I played I left everything I had on that field and it showed regardless if it was a good or bad game.

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Lady Hawks’ De La Fuente grabs Pitcher of the Year honors

The Harlingen South Lady Hawks entered the 2018 softball season with high expectations and certainly had another successful season by reaching the third round of the postseason.

Senior pitcher Kaitlynn De La Fuente entered the year as the team’s No. 2 pitcher and starting center fielder. However, after fellow senior pitcher Daisy Gallegos went down with an injury, De La Fuente stepped in the circle and became the club’s ace.

Through 31 games, De La Fuente went 23-4 with 133 innings pitched and whiffed 144 batters to just 35 walks, and finished with a dazzling 1.84 ERA.

De La Fuente’s masterful season in the circle earned her the Valley Morning Star’s All-STAR Pitcher of the Year.

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Q: Talk about the grind of facing tough lineups each and every week?
Kaitlynn: Obviously it was always very nerve racking, but each week I had my coach there to guide me through what the lineups were going to look like. Coach (Elias) Martinez also provided me with film and it helped me know what to expect, and also helped me get mentally ready for the game. Confidence and cockiness played a huge part in playing my game. If I had it in my head that I was going to pitch a good game no matter what, I knew I was going to pitch a good game.

Q: Who was the toughest hitter you faced and why?
Kaitlynn: The toughest hitter I faced would definitely be San Benito’s Joanna Gonzalez. I’ve played with her before outside of high school ball and she has always been a big hitter. I know what she’s capable of doing and she just has such a good eye for the ball, and is always very powerful with her at-bats.

Q: What was the best memory from your time in a Lady Hawks uniform?
Kaitlynn: Just the overall experience of going undefeated in the first round of district play is a memory that I won’t ever forget. Being able to beat the top teams like San Benito, Weslaco and knowing that my pitching played a big role in those wins is something I’m very proud of doing.

Q: What is the best part of being a pitcher?
Kaitlynn: The best part of being a pitcher is being able to carry your team to victory when you’re in the bottom of the seventh and being able to strike out that last batter in a shutout. The feeling of confidence is overwhelming and only builds up to keep you going in the next games.

Q: What does it mean to you to be named Pitcher of the Year?

Kaitlynn: It is such an honor to receive this award. It just goes to show that my hard work and the hard work of my coaches like Coach Martinez, Garza and Rigelsky, as well as my outside pitching coach Alex Anzaldua proved to be a driving force in how I play the game. I also would like to thank my travel ball coaches Lino and Albert Luna. I wouldn’t be as good as I am if it wasn’t for the coaching staff behind me and I only have them to thank for helping me revive this award. Throughout most of the season I was told that I was too cocky when talking about how I could play the game, but receiving this award also proves to those that doubted me that I can walk it how I talk it.

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Torris has breakout year for Lady Cats

The Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats entered the 2018 softball season unsure of who would be the next up-and-coming star.

They had five seasoned veterans, but knew the young crop of talent would need to grow up quickly.

One of those youngsters was freshman Abbie Torris, a left-handed slugger who immediately stepped in and swung a hot bat throughout the season.

This past season she laced in 25 doubles, drove in 41 runs and batted .640. She also shined in the outfield where she played left field and finished with a .989 fielding percentage.

For her efforts, Torris was named this year’s Valley Morning Star All-STAR Newcomer of the Year.

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Q: Now that you have a full year of varsity experience under your belt, what are some things you learned?
Abbie: I learned not to be so nervous and anxious come game time. I learned to always take a deep breath and just relax and have fun.

Q: What was the defining moment for you this season?
Abbie: Having the girls on my team cheering me on from the dugout the first time that I hit the ball and got on base.

Q: Over the summer what are some goals you set as far as on the field goes?
Abbie: I am going to keep working on my batting to improve my numbers, and continue training to get stronger and faster which will help me be a better catcher come next season.

Q: You are now a part of a rich softball tradition at Rio Hondo. What is that like?
Abbie: It feels amazing to be a part of such a great team and tradition. This is more like a sisterhood; I just loved every moment of it.

Q: What does it mean to you to be named Newcomer of the Year?
Abbie: After being named VMS Player of the Week a couple months ago, I set my sights on being Newcomer of the Year. And now that I’m here, it feels so unreal and I’m very excited to have received the honor. But I couldn’t have done this alone; I have great a team, coaches and family that always support me. I can’t wait to see what next season will bring. It can’t get here soon enough!

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Lyford’s Rojas named best offensive player

As a freshman, Lyford’s Jerrica Rojas took the District 32-3A by storm. Fast-forward a year and she hasn’t looked back.

Rojas helped guide the Lady Bulldogs to a second straight undefeated league season and shined both in the circle and at the plate.

The sophomore led the club in hits (47), homers (5), RBIs (48) and at the plate with a .595 average.

Rojas’s strong offensive year landed her this year’s Valley Morning Star’s All-STAR Offensive Player of the Year.

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Q: From your freshman year to now, what are some things you improved on?
Jerrica: My leadership role as a teammate. As a freshman I didn’t say much, but this year was different. Now that it will be in my third year playing, I’m really going to push my teammates and try to go deep in the playoffs.

Q: What are your goals this summer?
Jerrica: I am always trying to set goals for myself and this summer will be no different. I will keep working hard on my offensive game and set a higher standard. Also, I will push my teammates to be better as well. I know that my team will be looking at me to do my part in the circle defensively so that will also be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it. But a truly important task I have this summer is to perform well at the college showcases I will be attending over the summer because I would really like the opportunity to play ball at the next level.

Q: You bat in the middle of the order. What is the best part about that?
Jerrica: The best part of hitting in the middle of the lineup is that my teammates do a great job of allowing me to study the pitcher and relay a lot of information before I get my at-bat, so for me to be recognized as Offensive Player of the Year has a lot to do with my teammates and everyone that has helped me along the way.

Q: What is your approach at the plate?
Jerrica: Well, really, my at-bat starts when I’m on deck. While on deck I pay attention to where my base runners are at and if I have a runner in scoring position, then I try hitting behind the runner so that they’d be able to make it to the next base easier. But as soon as I get in the box, I clear my head and it’s just me and the ball making good solid contact.

Q: What does being named Offensive Player of the Year mean to you?
Jerrica: I feel honored because I put a lot of time and effort into this sport that I love, and all my hard work is slowly paying off and from now on I’m just going to work harder for myself and my team.

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Rio Hondo’s Alvarado tabbed top defender

Behind every great pitcher there is usually a great catcher. A defensive specialist that has a mind for the game and can call, direct and foresee what will happen on the field.

Four-year letterman Abbie Alvarado did it all for the Rio Hondo Lady Cats and was the catalyst behind the plate.

Alvarado batted .422 with 40 RBIs while at the dish she called the games with mastery and finished the season with a .962 fielding percentage.

For her defensive efforts Alvarado was named this year’s Valley Morning Star All-STAR Defensive Player of the Year.

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Q: Tell us something we probably don’t know about you?
ABBIE: I love to watch movies of any genre.

Q: What is the toughest part of playing catcher?
ABBIE: Definitely the squatting and the toll it takes on my legs.

Q: Over your last four years, what was your best memory?
ABBIE: My favorite memory has to be this year when we came back to beat Divine (in the playoffs). We scored nine amazing runs together as team, and I’ll never forget it and neither will our fans and families.

Q: What does being a part of a district title five-peat and leaving a winning tradition behind mean to you?
ABBIE: It means everything to me to have been a part of this team and the tradition we made. It was through hard work, dedication and teamwork.

Q: What does winning Defensive Player of the Year mean to you?
ABBIE: It means a lot to me and my family. It means that all my hard work over the years has paid off. I was playing for my team every play and I wasn’t expecting to receive this award, but I am honored and blessed to have won it.

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First Team
Pitcher: Rio Hondo Annie Alvarado
First Base: Harlingen South Alyssa Ledesma
Second Base: Harlingen South Kelsey Rivera
Shortstop: Harlingen South Krystal Gonzales
Third Base: San Benito Aaliyah Rangel
Catcher: Harlingen South Kytana Muniz
Right Field: San Benito Meagan Ybarra
Center Field: San Benito Audrey Huerta
Left Field: San Benito Deztiny Hernandez

Second Team
Pitchers: Carla Arellano, HHS; Evelyn Ortiz, LYF; Nana Carrizales, SB
Catchers: Emily Garcia, HHS; Jessica Cruz, LYF
Infield: Caitlyn Hejl, HHSS; Zoe Rosas, HHS; Karla Medina, LYF; Kelsey Pizarro, RH; Serena Rodriguez, LYF
Outfield: Kayla Rogers, HHSS; Melba Rodriguez, HHSS; Sydney Bray, LYF; Cheyenne Rodriguez, SR; Natasha Cannales, HHSS

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

On Sept. 22 during last year’s football season, Rio Hondo hosted rival Port Isabel. The Bobcats rolled to a 59-0 win, but it came at a cost when junior running back Adrian Torres went down with a season-ending knee injury.

Just a little over eight months later, Torres is back on the football field and is playing with the Bobcats on their 7 on 7 team.

“I’ve played football my entire life and that night when I got hurt it broke my heart,” Torres said. “I broke down in tears. I had to wait a week for the MRI and it was a long recovery process to get back to where I am now.”

In May, Torres was cleared to get back onto the field and he quickly jumped at the chance to play 7 on 7.

“Once I got cleared, I was ready to get back on the field,” he said. “I was given a brace and they told me to get back to athletic activity. There was a lot of work I put into my leg to get it back to where I wanted it to be. I thank God for allowing me to play the game I love.”

Last summer Rio Hondo qualified for the state 7 on 7 tournament in College Station for the first time in program history. Torres was able to get a taste of the action, but had to work over the summer. This summer, however, he is ready to fully participate.

“It was special being able to get back on the field this week,” Torres said. “The guys have talked about the state tournament and it’s something I want to be a part of. We all know our roles and I’m doing my best to help my team get there.”

Along with the recovery process, Torres is also working to transition from running back to linebacker and will look to anchor the Bobcats’ defense in the fall.

“I won’t let this injury faze me,” Torres said. “I’m ready to help my team in any way, and I’m picking up on what we are doing with 7 on 7 and I’m at peace now with everything and I’m just glad to be back.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — Last summer Rio Hondo broke new ground by reaching the state 7 on 7 tournament for the first time in program history.

The Cats were led by the 1-2 punch of quarterback Tyler Bush and receiver Erick Pizarro. That duo is now graduated and Rio Hondo is looking for the next tandem to take them to College Station.

“We are looking at this league as a way for us to get some practice in,” said Danny Vasquez. “Every game we come out and try our best to get better. In this league we are competing against bigger schools and that is helping us prepare.”

Last year, Rio Hondo punched their ticket at the McAllen State Qualifying tournament and breezed through pool play by beating Rockport Fulton, Hidalgo, La Villa and eventually beat Port Isabel to qualify for state.

This year the Bobcats will try out their luck once more at the McAllen Qualifier which will take place June 16th.

“Us older guys told the younger guys that making state is fun,” said Frank Hernandez. “The whole experience is fun, but with all that you have to learn the plays and understand what we’re trying to do. We each have a role on the team and we’re excited for another shot at state.”

With Bush now gone, the Cats will now look to senior Josiah Ortega who is making the move from safety to QB. Ortega was Bush’s backup last season and took some snaps in mop up duty.

Ortega will have some familiar weapons around him to help ease into the QB position. Hernandez returns to the lineup and provides the speed and the ability to stretch the field. Cross Gonzalez also returns to the receiving core followed up by Vasquez who plays running back, but can also run crisp routes.

“Josiah is coming along well,” Hernandez said. “I feel we will get to where we need to be. Right now he (Josiah) is playing at a solid pace and we’re picking that up. Once we start playing in the qualifying tournaments the speed shows and that’s one thing we stress to the younger guys is the speed of the game.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — The Cardinals used a little bit of magic to pick up a 32-30 win over La Feria Tuesday afternoon at Victor Park. Wide receiver Joe Reyna began the scoring for Harlingen and hauled in the winning touchdown in the final minute against the Lions.

Big Red began the Harlingen 7-on-7 league with a win and will now play San Benito Thursday at 8:00 p.m.

The Cards can punch their ticket to College Station for the first time since the 2012 season if they win their state qualifying tournament this weekend in Mission. The state 7-on-7 tournament will be held at the Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station and will begin June 28th.

While it will be a small preview of the Battle of the Arroyo, the Cards main focus is this weekend’s state qualifying tournament in Mission.

“This week gives us some practice reps for this weekend’s tournament,” Reyna said. “In this league we will get a feel for teams that are in our district and some teams that are not in our district. I enjoy playing 7-on-7, I just miss the contact, I like to get hit and I like to give hits.

“We have talked about making state, last year we just missed the tournament, so we’re determined to make it this year.”

Harlingen High will be in Bracket I along with Edinburg North, Laredo United, PSJA Memorial and Sharyland Pioneer.

“As a defensive back there is only so much you can do,” said cornerback Justin Munivez. “We work on communication, and chemistry. The back end is one of the most important positions on the field so it is important that we take care of business. I believe in our team and I feel we can make it to College Station.”

Along with the speedy Reyna, Damon Cantu provides height at the receiver position and can take snaps at quarterback. Jaime Galvan will play the quarterback position, and on Tuesday, the lefty displayed his strong arm and was in sync with his offense.

Defensively, Munivez leads the secondary while linebacker Marcos San Miguel anchors the middle. Munivez will be teamed up with Pedro Luna who displayed his speed in the secondary.

“Chemistry is important, and that is something we are working on,” Reyna said. “It takes a lot of work for a quarterback and wide receiver to get into sync, but right now Jaime (Galvan) is on page with the offense and us receivers.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO—Senior Leann Ramirez shined at her first national power meet. Ramirez participated in the USA Powerlifting Meet last month and won the gold with a total of 1,119 pounds. Ramirez squatted 429.9 pounds, bench pressed 281 pounds and deadlifted 407.8 pounds.

Ramirez’s big moment came when she set a new American record for the teen II category. Ramirez racked up a total 1,119 pounds with the previous record being 1,080 pounds.

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Ramirez.

Q: What inspired you to get into powerlifting?

Leann: I have always been strong and involved in many sports ever since I was little. I didn’t find out about powerlifting until I was in middle school and when I did, I knew I wanted to try it out. When my Freshman year came along, and the coach asked if I would be interested in trying out for the team. At first I was a bit skeptical about getting out of my comfort zone so I talked it out with my parents, and just like they always do they supported me in my decision of joining. Every day I step into the weight room I feel whole and happy. It is my piece of heaven that I get to enjoy every single day no matter what obstacles I’m facing.

Q: Tell us about the work that goes on behind the scenes?

Leann: I have been training for four years, each year has been a journey because I have gone through many great coaches and right now my current coach who prepared me for nationals is Joshua Miller from RGV Strength. I train at the gym Monday through Friday. I began training at the RGV Strength in January and my maxes have increased significantly. During the Regional State and National prep we train heavy squats on Monday, heavy bench Tuesday, jumps on Wednesday, and dynamic speed work for bench and squat Thursday and Friday. Many people think the sport of powerlifting is easy but I am here to tell you that this sport requires lots of long hours in the gym, recovery, dedication, and heart. We fail but that makes training even better because we are striving for a new goal, to get that lift and that is what brings out the competitive side in people.

Q: Do you have a strict diet during the season?
Leann: Yes, when I cut weight, I meal prep and each meal has a certain amount of protein carbs and sugars that I need throughout the day. The diet depends on if I am trying to lose gain or maintain my weight.

Q: What is your favorite meal prior your meets?

Leann: Depending what weight class I am in at the time. If I am in the lower weight class I usually don’t have very much room for a meal before the meet, but all this year I have gotten to eat the night before my meets. I would have to say my favorite meal to eat before a meet would be a steak with green beans and white rice.

Q: What are some of the challenges in powerlifting?

Leann: There are many challenges I have faced as a lifter and one of them would be having mental blocks. Sometimes I let my mind get the best of me because powerlifting is a physical and mental sport and you have to be strong in both aspects of it.

Q: Do you have any pre meet routine?

Leann: I don’t usually do anything special just double check that I have all my gear ready and that I am hydrated and well rested.

Q: You recently won 1st place at the USA Powerlifting meet what was the experience like?

Leann: My very 1st national meet was amazing. It was nothing like I expected at all. I was planning on having the best meet of the year, but it turned out to not being the best meet of the year lift wise. The USAPL national meet was very fast which I was not really use to but my coach Josh Miller and I adjusted to the timing and we made the meet ours. I am so glad I was able to get out of my comfort zone and compete in such an awesome event. My very first national meet is definitely one for the books but I really couldn’t have done it without the support of my parents, family, coaches, and friends that cheered me on through nationals and all my years competing.

Q: Talk to us about setting the record for the teen II category?

Leann: I don’t usually ever look at the records because I am not there to set records, I am there to become a stronger individual and compete to the best of my ability. At first I was not aware I had broken any record. After walking out with the gold I received a text from my father telling me how proud of me he was that I had won and broke the American Total Record. And my new record was 507.5 kg. I felt so proud because I never imagined being a national champion much less breaking the America Total Record.

Q: If you could play another sport what would it be?

Leann: If I could try put another sport I would try weight lifting. Yes, there is a difference, Weightlifting consists of different style Olympic lifts while powerlifting consists of squat bench and deadlift. I plan on trying it out in my college years because it has always been a dream of mine to be and Olympian since I was a little girl.

Q: What is your favorite hobby outside of powerlifting?

Leann: My favorite hobby outside of powerlifting would be going out to the beach with my friends and family or hanging out at the gym with the RGV Strength Crew.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?

Leann: My Favorite athletes would be my parents. When they were in high school both of my parents were involved in sports and they have shown me what it is like to have heart in everything I do. They have taught me that not everything in life will come easy but I should never give up no matter what obstacle I face. Another one of my Favorite athletes would be Blaine Sumner also known as “The Vanilla Gorilla”

Q: Tell us something about yourself we probably do not know?

Leann:I am ranked top 10 in my class and have been a 3-year varsity cheerleader and former Head Cheer captain my junior year. I also have been 4x UCA All-American Cheerleader. I stayed very involved with my community during high School. I have been Selected as a New Team USA Powerlifting Member and will be competing in South Africa at Worlds in September.

Q: What kind of music gets you pumped up for lifting?

Leann: I I can get pumped up to lift with any time of music and even without music. But my favorite song when I’m trying to hit a new max in the gym would be Bad Company by Five Finger Death Punch.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — Senior Roel Renteria’s college signing was a fitting end to what was a banner year for the Harlingen Cardinal track program. This year the Cards won both the 32-6A District and area title in the track.

Renteria will compete in the hurdles at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley next school year. Renteria secured his college future Thursday afternoon, and joined his teammates Fernando Escobar, Edward Ramos and Jasmyn Tulloch as the flock will all be Vaqueros in the fall.

“There is a lot of excitement right now, because I get to compete at the college level, but also a bit sad because my high school career is over,” Renteria said. “All my work has paid off and it’s great to see that. In this program, it’s a brotherhood. We don’t just work out in school, we work out together and we’re friends on and off the track.”

Renteria spent three years on the varsity and finished his career on a high note. Renteria won the district and area meets in the 300 meter hurdles and was also a regional finalist in the 300 meter hurdles.

“The coaches showed a lot of interest in me and made me feel wanted,” Renteria said. “It’s going to be tough competing against guys older than me. I’ll be an underdog, so it is important for me to continue working and remain humble.”

Renteria, Ramos and Escobar all had a hand in this year’s success that help put the Cardinals back on the radar with a district and area title. The big three will be tough to replace, but also help re set the standard.

“This is a fitting end to our school year and season,” said Harlingen track coach Efrain Ambriz. “Roel has been an example, and helped set the tone for the team all season long. He really inspired the guys to do their best and I will miss him. He is one of the hardest workers we have had. Seeing all three of them go to the same school is unique and it’s special, it’s something we don’t see too often.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

LA FERIA — Despite Thursday being the last day of the school year for La Feria High School, it was a big day for La Feria senior Annabelle Rodriguez who signed her letter of intent to run track and cross country at Hardin Simmons in Abilene.

Rodriguez was the third track athlete this week to sign on and compete at the next level. Rodriguez joined Reyes Rodriguez who will run at A&M Kingsville and Julian Trevino who will attend UTRGV.

“When I looked into their program, I liked what I saw,” Rodriguez said. “They had a lot of activities that they offer, and I fell in love with the program. I haven’t been on campus yet I have just seen pictures. I have never been to Abilene either, so it’s going to be a new experience.”

Rodriguez excelled in both track and cross country. At the area meet Rodriguez excelled by winning the silver medal in the 800 and at the 32-4A District meet she brought home the bronze once again in the 800.

Running at the college level wasn’t in Rodriguez’s plans or a thought in her mind until this year.

“I always did sports for fun,” said Rodriguez. “This year I realized I could compete at the next level. Being away from my family will be tough, I will be a little homesick but I’m excited for the new experience. On the track I’ll have to adjust to the next level of talent, but I’m willing to accept the challenge and play the sport that I love.”

Dedicated, hardworking and leadership were a few words coach Graciela Campos used to describe Rodriguez.

“She (Annabelle) is a blessing to have, she is one of those athletes any coach would love to have,” Campos said. “She did everything we asked her to, she was a hard worker, and led by example.

“She is just a great student and I want her to continue to be herself and to never forget where she came from. I believe she will be successful, she has what it takes.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

LA FERIA — For a second consecutive day La Feria saw another one of its track athlete sign a letter of intent to attend college.

Senior Julian Trevino committed Wednesday to run track at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg. He will compete in the long jump for the Vaqueros.

“Reality,” was the first word Trevino said when asked about his signing day.

“It’s all over,” he said. “Playing sports for four years against guys the same age as you; now I’ll be competing against guys older than me, but it is exciting and I’m ready.”

Trevino was quite the athlete as he played four sports at La Feria, including football, track, basketball and baseball.

He shined on the gridiron at the wide receiver position and was solid on the basketball court and on the baseball diamond, but his best performances came on the track.

“Our coaches reached out to UTRGV, and they were interested and we had a conversation on the process and how things work, and I wanted to be a part of it,” he said. “After that I decided to visit the campus and I liked what I saw. It’s convenient for me to be close to home as well so that is a plus.”

Trevino contemplated playing football rather than run track, but while he did receive interest from football programs, he found it best to continue his track career.

“I’m not going to lie, football is exciting but it’s a tough sport and with track, it’s an individual sport (and focuses) on what can you do, and if you set your mind to it you can do it.”

Trevino, who will be graduating fourth in his class, plans on majoring in biomedical engineering at UTRGV.

On Tuesday, teammate Reyes Rodriguez secured his college future by signing to run track at Texas A&M-Kingsville. Having back-to-back signees was a pleasure to watch for Lions track coach Evie Sanchez.

“It’s the greatest feeling in the world to see our kids sign,” Sanchez said. “It’s been about 10 years since we have signed any of our track kids and all of a sudden, the last few years, we send kids to the next level. It’s a great feeling as a coach.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — The Harlingen High cross country duo of Edward Ramos and Fernando Escobar kept their promise of signing a letter of intent together. Both Ramos and Escobar committed to run cross country at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

“We’re sad because we have to leave this school and our coaching staff,” Ramos said. “But this is something the both of us have been working for.”

Both Ramos and Escobar began running together in the seventh grade and haven’t stopped since. It was during their eighth grade year at a district track meet when the two decided to make a promise to run together at the college level.

“It’s a funny story because Fernando and I were running the mile together and that’s when I told him we are going to be running together in high school so let’s do it another four years in college,” Ramos said. “This is a special day for us and it’s hard to believe sometimes just because how tough it is to get it done.”

Through the years the two have built a bond and played a key role in the turnaround for the cross country program at Harlingen High.

“It’s awesome to see how the process works and to see something build from the very beginning,” said Cardinals cross country coach Efrain Ambriz. “To see them flourish and get them to state, and be able to continue their careers is a great thing. They are humble kids and my advice to them is to just keep working hard and I do plan on seeing them – that is a must.”

Both Ramos and Escobar were four-year lettermen. Ramos was named first-team All-Valley in cross country, was a two-time cross country and track district champion, and qualified for regionals all four years.

Escobar, meanwhile, was also was named first-team All-Valley in cross country as well as a two-time district champ in track and cross country. He also set a Valley record in the steeplechase and won district in the 1600- and 3200-meter runs.

“I’m glad I did this. It’s sad to be leaving (Harlingen High) because you become a family with these coaches,” said Escobar. “They (the coaches) have always been there for us and for me to continue my career with Edward is exciting.”